It's a lot like Negima! but without the magic

Plot Summary:Haruhi is a poor tomboyish student at a school for the ultra-wealthy, able to attend because of a scholarship, and unable to even afford a uniform. One day, she stumbles across the decidedly peculiar but very popular Ouran Host Club. She tries to leave, but accidentally breaks a vase, and unable to pay for it, she's told that she'll have to stay and do odd jobs. That is, until they decide she would be more valuable as a club member. Not realizing she's female due to her appearance, they fix her up and give her a male uniform. She's an instant hit, so they decide to have her keep up the charade even after they find out the truth. Haruhi, being average almost to a fault, doesn't know what to make of the unconventional activities of the Host Club (or of the even more unconventional members), but having little choice, she plays along. Before long, real bonds are formed, friends made, and Haruhi finds herself accepted in a way she could never have been otherwise in this affluent school. - ANN

What can I say about Ouran Highschool Host Club...except that it's really hard to say at first. I think I put off watching this anime because of all the fangirl hype. I mean, too much hype about anything usually turns me off no matter what it concerns. I noticed that a lot of people write fanfics about it though, so I figured I'd at least see what all the fuss was about.

Technical details first: The entire series spans the typical 26 episodes, and there aren't any real extras to speak of, except for advertisements telling you to read the manga, and dub bloopers. That's basically it.

As for the anime itself, this thing is friggin' hilarious. (Pardon my language.) It's really a little hard to give an accurate review because each episode is different, some might call the entire anime filler because so much of it is randomness. However, I found that aspect pretty nice because it makes for a funny, light hearted series. That's not to say there aren't some nice serious moments, but before those serious moments get too long someone slips on a banana peel. Seriously, I'm not joking! Much of OHHC's humor comes from how it pokes fun at yaoi, yuri, transgendered people, and, uh, well, twincest. The latter is only used however to delight the girls that frequent the host club. In other words, it's all an act, and there's nothing more to it than that. I found myself slightly disturbed, but at the same time I was laughing so hard at the sheer absurdity of it all that I found it very easy to get past the moral issues.

As you probably know, I am a fan of English dubs. The cast of Ouran is just awesome. Notable names include Vic Mignogna, Greg Ayres, Todd Haberkon, J. Michael Tatum, and Caitlin Glass. Greg Ayres and Todd Haberkon play the twins, and I swear they have some of the best/funniest lines in the show. I should mention that the opening and ending themes suggest that Ouran is a romance anime, but it really isn't. Although you can infer what you like.

Over all I recommend Ouran Highschool Host Club to anyone that wants to watch a light hearted, very funny anime with likable characters and a lot of roses and sparkles.

I heard about this anime some years ago but sadly, I put off watching it for some time due to my dislike of most anime comedies. Thankfully I finally got around to seeing it and fell head over heels in love with this series, especially the fourth wall breaking humor. Nice work.

stormtamerSeptember 19, 2011

Same here. I stayed away from it for the longest time for the same reason. But sometimes I just need to watch something that's more on the lighter side.

You know as much as I am a purist and I like the original language, I don't mind English dubbing on some anime series; I am not sure, some shows have that strong European feel and I prefer the English Dub. Great review! Thanks!

stormtamerOctober 10, 2010

Really? I had a feeling but wasn't sure. I guess I've just gotten used to hearing the English va's, not that I have anything against subs, I just have a hard time keeping up. Anyway, OHSHC's setting is very European, except for when the club cosplays. One of my fav scenes is where one of the characters (I believe from the girls academy) calls Tamaki (the club's founder) a "halfer" and Haruhi gets a little upset, and then Honey-sempai replies "But he IS a halfer! He's half American and half Japanese!" Anyway, I don't know how well this will appeal to guys, but I thought it was one of the funniest anime I've seen since School Rumble. Pretty sure there is a sub version too, so that shouldn't be a problem. Funi has always been good about including both.

woopak_the_thrillOctober 10, 2010

Hey, I liked "Lucky Star" so I think I'll dig this one, since I do need a laugh at times--plus, Japanese style otaku filmmaking always apppeals to me. :)

I'm one of those people that prefers status quo to randomness and chaos. I have two dogs, a Chihuahua and a German Short-haired Pointer, named Chiqua and Pepper. Chiqua is my constant companion. … more